Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Power Industry Union sticks to pro-nukes position; Dismisses concerns of citizens’ group

About 40 members of the Emergency Action on the Fukushima Nuclear Crisis visited the Tokyo Electrical Power Company (TEPCO) Workers Union and the Federation of Electric Power Industry Related Workers Union of Japan (Denryoku-soren) on June 29 to ask the Union and Federation to stop promoting nuclear power plants and to support workers exposed to radiation. The TEPCO Workers Union refused to meet the citizens group. Denryoku-soren set three conditions for the meeting; 1, six members only; 2, no coverage by mass media; 3, no photos and no recording. The visiting group was welcomed by 10 union staff members who guarded the entrance and the reception by Uchida Atsushi, Secretary General of the Union was high-handed. “There is no feasible cheap and stable alternative energy that can replace nuclear power,” Uchida said. “We have to concentrate on settling the crisis at Fukushima now. As for the future of nuclear energy, we are observing the government’s decisions closely.” He disclaimed his responsibility for the accident and refused to change the union’s position of promoting nuclear energy. He seemed displeased with the request from the group and abruptly ended the meeting saying, “We are not a social organization and not in a position receive such a request. Don’t come again.” (M)Photo: MATSUMOTO Chie, confronted by union staff, asks for interview.

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